Speculation regarding a 2024 release for The Smashing Machine featuring Dwayne Johnson has ramped up now that the film’s production has wrapped.
You might have come across some of the speclation that has been swirling around of late regarding The Smashing Machine's potential release date. Despite A24 denying it, stories have continued to emerge that claim the film is coming late this year, complete with the kind of awards campaigning that A24 should probably attached to last year’s The Iron Claw (but didn’t).
Dwayne Johnson is the lead in The Smashing Machine, a film about the successes and tragedies of Mark Kerr, a mixed martial arts champion who certainly did not live the ultra-squeaky clean life that we’ve come to expect from most of Johnson’s characters.
This career swerve of Johnson’s is adding extra zest to the film story behind this one, not least because the movie star’s impeachable image has come unstuck of late with a few rather unflattering reports alleging that his work ethic and behaviour, previously considered to have been among the best in Hollywood.
As well as hailing from A24, a (mostly) arthouse studio, the film is being directed by Benny Safdie, co-director of gripping dramas such as Good Times and Uncut Gems.
Speaking about the film, Johnson previously saidto Variety that “I’m at a point in my career where I want to push myself in ways that I’ve not pushed myself in the past. I’m at a point in my career where I want to make films that matter, that explore a humanity and explore struggle [and] pain.”
Emily Blunt will co-star in the project which will chart the story of Kerr, a’ two-time UFC Heavyweight Tournament Champion. He rose through the fighting world with his no-holds-barred approach. However, an addiction to painkillers ultimately led to an overdose.’
Thanks to World Of Reel, we know now that the film wrapped production several days ago, weeks ahead of schedule. That extra time window will certainly give Benny Safdie some extra breathing space if he does plan to cut this one quickly and release it into the world by the end of the year.
The Smashing Machine marks Benny Safdie’s first film as a solo filmmaker following a successful brace of films as one half of The Safdie Brothers. It’s also Johnson’s biggest career gamble to date. There’s plenty on the line here for both men and that means there’ll be plenty of eyes on The Smashing Machine when it releases. Whether that is this year remains to be seen but with the film now in the can by midsummer, it’s certainly a possibility.
